Feline diabetes is increasingly common in overweight cats and causes significant welfare impacts, but with proper management many cats can achieve diabetic remission and normal quality of life.
Diabetic cats experience the chronic effects of blood glucose dysregulation - lethargy, excessive thirst, and progressive weakness from diabetic neuropathy. The flat-footed plantigrade stance of diabetic neuropathy represents nerve damage from chronic high blood glucose, causing difficulty walking and discomfort. Hypoglycemia from insulin excess causes acute terror and neurological signs. Well-managed diabetic cats, particularly those achieving remission, can live comfortable, normal lives. The welfare goal of managing feline diabetes is achieving and maintaining glucose control that prevents the complications causing daily suffering.